Bosnia Press Review – April 15, 2011

DNEVNI AVAZ

Former High Representative in Bosnia Paddy Ashdown said that the EU and the US need a solid joint effort in order to do the right thing in Bosnia. They must ensure that Croatia and Serbia play a constructive role, and make clear that they will not, under any circumstances, allow the disintegration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he maintained.

Ashdown said he does not doubt the possibility of foreign military intervention in Bosnia. "No doubt about it. If things continue to be like this, the EU and the West in general will have to take advantage of this opportunity," Ashdown said.

OSLOBODJENJE

The decision to call a referendum in Republika Srpska to challenge the laws imposed by the High Representative in Bosnia, especially on the Court and the Prosecutor's Office, is an attack on the central formula of the Dayton agreement, and a direct attack not only on the judicial authorities but also the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Countryman said.

NEZAVISNE NOVINE

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Catherine Ashton expressed her concern over the decision of the Assembly of Republika Srpska, the predominantly Serb entity in Bosnia, to announce a referendum on the decisions of the High Representative, particularly on the state court and the prosecutor's office.

"I am very concerned about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision of the National Assembly is a step in the wrong direction," Ashton said.

Balkan Insight has not verified the facts in the original press reports and cannot vouch for their accuracy.